10-21-16: We packed up our bags and said " Arrivederci, Roma!" today. We hopped on our mini bus and navigated our way through the Rome traffic. I am glad I wasn't driving- people are crazy, lanes aren't clearly marked, motor scooters are zipping in and out. We stopped along the way at the Autogrill- the Italian Rest stop. Here they have a gourmet restaurant instead of a Wendy's. We enjoyed panini and After quite a long wait, departed again for Florence.

Florence has a very strict policy regarding vehicles in the city. Most of the area is ZTL- translated to limited traffic zone. Only police and people with special permits may enter by car, which makes parking very difficult as well. It seemed like forever our driver was going in circles looking for away to slip down the narrow streets in front of our hotel. Eventually we made it and quickly checked in.

We met our beautiful guide in the lobby and headed on our way. We enjoyed visiting the Duomo both inside and out, the Piazza Della Repubblica and walking down Via Roma towards the Ponte Vecchio. We admired the views of the Arno, affectionately called the color of "caffe latte". We headed to a print shop and watched an incredible demonstration. of handmade paper designs. Amazement is s small word to describe our reaction to the process! We also continued to the Piazza Signorina, where we learned much about Michelangelo and his David. Unfortunately we were unable to see the statue until the next day because of a workers strike. It seems as though someone in Italy is always striking. The city tour was pleasant at dusk and we enjoyed our time exploring together! Florence is a manageable city to navigate.

Our little group continued to dinner at a little restaurant on Piazza Michelangelo side of the river. We indulged in Tuscan antipasti and meats, bruschetta and chicken liver and polenta. Then we enjoyed our primi of penne and then a delicious creamy ravioli dish. Next was our secondo of thinly sliced Tuscan beef, cooked just beyond rare. We also had a wonderful buttery sautéed spinach contorno, or side dish. For dessert was a fantastic semifreddo with warm chocolate. We headed back to the hotel happy and full! It's maybe worth noting that our waiter looked just like Fredo from The Godfather too.